Best Calibrated Plates To Buy (2023)

With the surge in popularity of powerlifting and strength training, there has been an increased demand for quality calibrated weight plates. If you’re in the market for a new set of plates, you might be wondering which ones are the best to buy. Here is a list of the best calibrated plates on the market, based on quality and price.

What Are The Best Calibrated Plates?

Here are my top picks for the best calibrated plates available:

Rogue Fitness Calibrated Plates

Overview

Machine calibrated for next-level precision, these durable cast-iron KG plates are accurate to within 10g in weight. 

Each disc is cut thin to allow for max loading capacity (up to 700+ KG) and color-coded for easy identification from a distance.

Highlights

• Plates ranging from 0.25kg to 50kg.
• The 25kg plate is 450mm in diameter and 27mm in width.
• Central hole: 50.40mm (IPF standard).

Pricing

0.5kg plate – $21

2.5kg plate – $36

5kg plate – $57

10kg plate – $77

15kg plate – $98

20kg plate – $120

25kg plate – $152

Final Thoughts

If you’re not on a tight budget then go for the Rogue plates. They’re the best option for those who are looking to stock up on plates. Though being more expensive than the others, they offer a free shipping deal which can make it even.

They’re also the only plates on this list that are approved by the IPF, meaning that if you want to organise a powerlifting competition, you’ll need to go with Rogue plates.

Note: If you’d like to purchase calibrated pound plates instead, check out Rogue Calibrated LB Plates

Xenios Calibrated Plates

Overview

The Powerlifting Calibrated CNC Steel Plates are must-haves for elite athletes and what beginners should aspire to use. 

These steel plates are created with a specific steel processing technology called CNC that renders the plate extremely precise in its weight and dimension and makes it particularly resistant.

Highlights

• Plates ranging from 0.25kg to 25kg.
• The 25kg plate is 450mm in diameter and 22mm in width.
• Central hole: 50.40mm (IPF standard).

Pricing

0.5kg plate – $20

2.5kg plate – $27

5kg plate – $38

10kg plate – $47

15kg plate – $65

20kg plate – $84

25kg plate – $105

Final Thoughts

For those of you that are on a budget, Xenios plates will be the best option. They’re significantly cheaper than any other plates on this list, despite being very high quality.

StrongArm Sport Calibrated Plates

Overview

StrongArm calibrated plates are not on the IPF approved list, but only because they did not want to pay the enormous fees the IPF wants for this.

They are still made to IPF specifications for calibrated weight, dimensions and colors. You can be assured they are every bit as precise and accurate as the plates you will see on the contest platform.

Highlights

• Plates ranging from 0.25kg to 25kg.
• The 25kg plate is 450mm in diameter and 28mm in width.
• Central hole: 50.40mm (IPF standard).

Pricing

0.5kg plate – $15

2.5kg plate – $30

5kg plate – $45

10kg plate – $60

15kg plate – $87

20kg plate – $115

25kg plate – $145

Final Thoughts

Good option for those who want to make sure the delivery of the product(s) goes as smoothly as possible. They offer the best customer service out of all the manufacturers.

Bells Of Steel Calibrated KG Plates

Overview

Bells Calibrated Powerlifting Plates are competition-quality plates, made from machined iron, that are accurate to within +/- 10 grams of claimed weight.

The unique design of their plates is what differentiates them from their competitors. Their plates are easy to handle because there’s a small ledge where you can place your fingers to better grip the plates.

Highlights

• Plates ranging from 0.25kg to 25kg.
• The 25kg plate is 451mm in diameter and 28,5mm in width.
• Central hole: 50.40mm (IPF standard).

Pricing

0.5kg plate – $15

2.5kg plate – $30

5kg plate – $45

10kg plate – $60

15kg plate – $90

20kg plate – $120

25kg plate – $150

Final Thoughts

BellsOfSteel plates are great if you’re looking for calibrated plates that conform to the IPF but aren’t necessarily competition standard plates (IPF approved).

They are very easy to handle as all the plates have an edge that makes picking them up a lot easier. That is also made easier by the fact the they are the thickest plates on this list.

Vulcan Steel Plates

Overview

Produced within a 10 grams tolerance of advertised weight. Powdered Coated

United States Powerlifting Association Certified. Meets or exceeds IPF and all other powerlifting organization standards

Highlights

• Plates ranging from 0.25kg to 25kg.
• The 25kg plate is 450mm in diameter and 28mm in width.
• Central hole: 50.40mm (IPF standard).

Pricing

0.5kg plate – $15

2.5kg plate – $31

5kg plate – $53

10kg plate – $78

15kg plate – $101

20kg plate – $133

25kg plate – $145

Final Thoughts

What Are Calibrated Plates?

Calibrated plates are weighted plates that are used in powerlifting competitions. They can be made using cast iron or machined steel. 

They usually have 2 calibration caps in the back, which are filled with calibration plugs to make the plate achieve a precise weight. 

Wrap Up

Calibrated plates are a great piece of training equipment to have access to, whether you’re a powerlifter or you just love the sport of lifting weights.

They allow you to lift the exact weight you want, therefore making you better prepared for a competition.

Most people are only aware of the existence of Rogue calibrated plates. And it’s no surprise, there aren’t many calibrated plate manufacturers.

Nevertheless, I hope this post opened your eyes to other possible companies, that provide plates that are better than Rogue in one aspect or another.

FAQ

What is a calibrated plate?

Calibrated plate is a weighted plate, made from cast iron or machined steel, that is calibrated to an exact weight by attaching 2 calibration plugs to the backside of the plate.

Are calibrated weight plates worth it?

Calibrated plates are worth it if you are a powerlifter and you want to know exactly how much weight you are lifting. To prepare for a competition as best as you can, you’ll want calibrated plates, as they are the standard plates for powerlifting competitions.

How are calibrated plates different?

They are thinner and closer to the center of mass than regular weighted plates. Because of that, they allow for less wobbling when using a deadlift bar or any other bar that bends significantly. This makes any exercise safer and more stable.

Why are kg plates better?

They allow you to lift the exact weight you want to lift so you can better prepare for a competition as the plates used in competitions are always kg plates.

What is the purpose of calibration?

The purpose of calibration is to make the weight as precise as possible. Most powerlifting federations, like the IPF (International Powerlifting Federation), only use calibrated plates to make sure that all the competitors adhere to a standard.